“I ain’t a kid.”
Bridget wanted to point out he was only ten, but his challenging stare warned her not to. She remained silent.
“I can get a job and look after Lizzie. Nobody is going to want me, are they? Not with the way I look.”
“They will when they get to know you. You have the heart of a lion and your love for Lizzie is a joy to watch. Any parents would be proud to have you in their family.”
He watched her under his lashes for a few seconds before abruptly pushing the table back as he stood up. “I like you, Miss Bridget, but you believe in fairy tales. Real life ain’t like that.”
He was gone before she could respond. She stood to follow him only to meet her sister coming back from her walk.
“I hope you are here to help. Nobody told me you and Lily were going to take in more orphans, just how many children do you expect me to look after?”
“If I had my way Maura Collins, I wouldn’t let you look after a dog.”
Bridget didn’t wait for a response but walked swiftly away, her hands clenched by her side. Her sister would try the patience of a saint and she was far from that.
Later that morning, Bridget bit her lip as Lily called her down to the office. As she walked into the room, she saw a letter on the table.
“Here you are Bridget, this one is for you,” Lily said, motioning toward the letter.
Bridget looked at it, then back to Lily.
“Go on, open it. It can’t bite you.”
Bridget picked up the letter with shaking hands. She opened it and began to read. The man couldn’t even be bothered to sign his name. He obviously thought she was desperate. He wasn’t wrong.
She let the letter fall to the table.
“Oh dear. Was he not pleasant?” Lily asked. “Reverend Franklin wrote to speak highly of him. Said he was a quiet man, but respectful and a good Christian.”
“He’s not Catholic.”
“No, he isn’t, but given the circumstances we can’t be picky” Lily said. “Father Nelson and Reverend Franklin are good friends.”
Bridget looked back at the letter. He might be God-fearing, but he was still rude. She gave the letter to Lily.
“Here, read it for yourself,” Bridget said.
Lily read the letter, and, to Bridget’s surprise, she smiled.
“What?”
“It’s a lovely letter, Bridget. What a nice man.”
“Nice? He didn’t even sign his name,” Bridget said.
“I know, but doesn’t that just show you he is as nervous as you are?” Lily asked. “His name is Brian Curran. Reverend Franklin wrote about him in glowing terms. Men have feelings just the same as women do. Some of them lack confidence. Maybe his folks weren’t the kind to tell him he was wonderful.”
Bridget stared at Lily and then took the letter. This time she read it with what Lily said in mind. He mentioned he didn’t know how to talk to women. So, he was shy and maybe a little bit lonely despite his talk of the place being quiet. He appreciated nature as he said the area they lived in was beautiful. A small town would be totally different to the bustling streets of New York.
“So, decision time, Bridget,” Lily said. “What are you going to do?”
“I would like to go but I want to take Annie and young Liam with me. I am sure they could find homes in a small town like Riverside Springs. Don’t you think so?”
Lily looked uncertain. Suddenly Bridget thought she was going to say no.
“Please ma’am, I mean Lily, don’t make me go without them. The poor children can’t depend on Maura to look after them. Kathleen is young, and she deserves to have a happy future.”
“So, do you Bridget. You cannot put your family ahead of your own happiness all the time.”
“But the children; they are only four and six,” Bridget said. “If I don’t look out for them, who will?”
“All right, Bridget. You can take the children with you but on one condition. If you do not find them suitable homes, you must return them to the sanctuary and allow Father Nelson to place them. Is that clear?” Lily asked.
“Yes, Lily. I have the money for their fares.”
“How?”
“I have my wages. I was going to use them for some clothes, but it is best to bring the children,” Bridget said.
“I will pay for the children’s tickets. You use your money to buy some necessities for your trip. I hope everything works out for you, Bridget. You deserve to find happiness.” Lily stood up and clasped Bridget close in a hug. “Remember to be as kind to yourself as you are to others.”
Chapter 16
As it turned out Father Nelson had a better idea.
“Bridget, Lily has told me of your plan. I think it is risky to believe there will be a family, or families, in Riverside Springs to take on your siblings. But, before you interrupt,” Father Nelson said, waving his hand as if he knew exactly what she was about to do.
Bridget closed her mouth and sat on her hands, so she wouldn’t interrupt.
“I have a proposition for you,” he went on. “I need a young woman of impeccable character to accompany a trainload of orphans on their journey. The lady who was due to travel has fallen ill and her father insists she remain at home. You are perfect to take her place. Your role will be to ensure the safety of the children while traveling. We don’t want to lose any.”
“That was an unfortunate incident, Father. It only happened the one time and she was found eventually,” Lily added.
Bridget looked at Lily who explained a little girl had been left behind at a stop and the train had to wait until she was found.
“The poor little mite was out of her mind,” Lily said.
“I can just imagine.” Bridget didn’t show any fear at taking the train, but she wasn’t excited about the prospect. She knew New York, the bad and the good. But she knew nothing of the world outside of it.
“Yes. So, you can see the need for proper supervision,” Father Nelson said. “The boys will have a male supervisor. We can introduce you to him when I find out which man is traveling this time.”
“So, Annie and Liam can come along with me?” Bridget asked, her tone suggesting she wouldn’t go without them.
“The train travels to a number of places before Green River. That is the last stop. If you have not found suitable homes for Liam and Annie by then, you will have to take a chance on Riverside Springs. But, and this is meant for your own good, Bridget, I would suggest you try your best to have the children settled prior to reaching your final destination.”
“I will, Father.” Bridget crossed her fingers under her skirt. She wasn’t giving up her siblings to anyone.
“Good. You will be paid for your time and obviously the board of the Outplacement Society will cover the cost of the train journeys. The railways are good to us. They give us a huge discount on the children’s fares.” Father Nelson smiled at her, but Bridget was too upset to do anything but stare at him.
Chapter 17
Brian rode up the main street and was about to dismount when Mr. Grayson, the storekeeper, appeared on his porch. “Brian, letter for you. Came all the way from New York.”
Brian hid his face from anyone watching. It was a huge drawback, living in such a small town where everyone knew each other’s business. It would be all over the local community that he had been writing letters to a gal in New York.
The letter, well, note would be a better description, confirmed Bridget Collins would be here in a couple of months. She was working for a children’s group called the Outplacement Society, escorting a trainload of orphans along the route to Green River. Once her charges had been placed with their families, she would travel onto Riverside Springs to get married.
He wiped the sweat from his eyes. There was nothing about her in the letter, only that she had agreed to their marriage. He didn’t know if she was four feet ten with brown hair or six feet tall with red hair. Surely, she could have added some personal details. Maybe
she didn’t like writing. He folded the letter and put it into his pocket. Now wasn’t the time to start speculating on her motives. He had work to do and lollygagging around here wasn’t going to get it done.
“So, I heard someone got a letter today,” Shannon said at dinner that evening, her eyes twinkling.
“Who needs pony express to deliver the mail when they have store owners like the Graysons? They tell you everyone else’s business too, or just mine?” Brian asked.
“Don’t get uppity with my wife. She only wants the best for you. Both of us do,” Mitch retorted angrily.
“Sorry Shannon, I didn’t mean to sound short,” Brian said.
“So, what did she say? Does she sound nice?” Shannon seemed so genuinely interested, Brian felt even worse for biting her head off.
“I don’t know Shannon, she didn’t say much. Here you can read it,” he said, offering her the letter.
“No, I couldn’t do that,” Shannon said.
“Go on, we all know you’re desperate to. I’m giving you permission.” Brian handed the note to Shannon with a smile to show he wasn’t being nasty.
“Not much of a correspondent, is she?” Shannon said after a moment. “Maybe she’s shy. It’s hard to write to someone you don’t know.”
“You managed it well enough,” Mitch said. “We exchanged letters for an… ouch. What was that for?”
Brian had to hide a smile as Shannon glared at her husband making it obvious they hadn’t had a problem exchanging letters.
“Mitchell Williams, there are some days I believe you were kicked in the head by a mule. What did you have to go and say that for?” Shannon’s eyes glowed with temper.
Mitch turned various shades of red before he mumbled, “Sorry. I didn’t think.”
“Brian, you pay my husband no heed. Everyone is different. I am sure Bridget will be a lovely girl and a wonderful wife.”
“Guess we’ll find out soon enough,” Brian said, praying Shannon was right.
Chapter 18
Bridget accompanied Lily to Father Nelson’s house where she was to meet the man who would supervise the orphan boys.
“Bridget, Lily, come in out of the rain,” Father Nelson greeted them, waving his hand to usher them inside. “Awful miserable day, isn’t it? You would think you were in Ireland if you closed your eyes and didn’t see all the buildings.”
Bridget didn’t respond to Father Nelson; she was far too nervous. What if the man didn’t agree to her traveling with him? Lily squeezed her hand as if trying to give her support. Bridget managed to smile. Mrs. Riordan brought in tea and cakes but didn’t acknowledge any of them.
“Don’t mind Mrs. Riordan. She still doesn’t consider me acceptable company for Father Nelson,” Lily whispered in Bridget’s ear. She didn’t get a chance to respond as the door opened and Father Nelson walked in with another gentleman. He was tall in stature and so thin you would think he would blow away in a strong wind. Bridget guessed he was about thirty years old, although his black clothes might have made him look older. He wiped his feet on the mat as he came into the room.
“Bridget, this is Mr. Carl Watson. He is a committed member of the Outplacement Society as well as a qualified teacher. Mr. Watson, Bridget Collins is doing us a huge favor. She is en route to Riverside Springs and has agreed to fill in for Maud Simmons who has fallen ill.”
“I hope Maud recovers quickly. She is a respected member of our organization.” Mr. Watson said, then turned his attention to Bridget.
Bridget’s cheeks heated up under the man’s scrutiny. She could sense his eyes travel from her boots to the top of her head and back down again. He seemed to be studying her and although it should have made her feel uncomfortable, she found herself blushing at the glimpse of admiration she fancied she saw in his eyes. A second later it was gone, making her think she had imagined it.
She wondered how many times he had made this trip with orphans. He wasn’t at all like she’d expected although if anyone asked her what she thought a placement officer would look like, she wouldn’t have been able to answer. He looked…sad. That was the word.
“Miss Collins.” The man nodded. “We will have our hands full this trip, we have thirty-eight children to place.”
“Why don’t you take a seat Mr. Watson? Would you prefer tea or coffee? Mrs. Riordan has supplied tea, but she would be happy to make coffee as well,” Lily offered, smiling.
“Water is fine, thank you,” Mr. Watson said. He pulled at his collar before taking a seat on the very edge of the chair. Bridget tried not to stare at him, but her gaze kept returning to his face. He wasn’t the most attractive man she had ever seen but there was something about him. She wondered what he did when he wasn’t escorting the orphans. Was he still teaching? His hands, rough and ridged with old scars, were not the hands of a teacher but those of a gardener maybe? But didn’t gardeners have mud encrusted fingernails? He was picking at some fluff on his suit. Was he nervous? Surely, he had met Father Nelson and Lily before?
Chapter 19
Bridget clasped the cup of tea between her hands using the heat to distract her from Mr. Watson.
“I am depending on you to teach Miss Collins and provide her with support, “Father Nelson said. “She may find it rather difficult to break ties with some of the children, in particular her own siblings.”
Mr. Watson jumped to his feet. “She is taking her siblings? Absolutely not. I totally forbid it. It will upset the other children.”
Bridget was about to argue when Father Nelson intervened.
“Mr. Watson, I think you forget yourself.” Father Nelson didn’t shout but his tone was enough to get everyone’s attention. “Bridget Collins has her reasons for leaving New York. It is not her fault she finds herself in this predicament. I will not tolerate any lack of consideration for her feelings. Is that clear?”
Mr. Watson looked from the priest to Bridget and back again. “Yes, Father,” Mr. Watson said. “I apologize. Forgive me please. I get carried away sometimes.”
Bridget caught the glance Mr. Watson sent her expecting to see anger but finding pity. She shifted in her seat. She didn’t want anyone feeling sorry for her.
“I will make sure Bridget is up to date on everything. She will be ready and willing.” Lily glanced at Bridget before turning her attention back to the man. “Bridget is gifted with children. She will be a huge asset to you during this trip, Mr. Watson.”
“Father Nelson,” Mr. Watson said, ignoring the comment about Bridget. “We must ensure each child has a suitable set of clothes. It is hard enough to find families without the orphans looking like—”
“The poverty-stricken children that they are?” Lily’s tone told Bridget she was upset, but the man didn’t take any notice of her. His whole focus was on Father Nelson. It was almost as if the women weren’t present.
“Mr. Watson, we will do our best to outfit the children properly, but your insistence on white aprons for the girls is going a little far. Especially as the journey on the train is so dirty. How can anyone keep them clean, let alone a child?” Father Nelson asked.
“I know it sounds like I am making unreasonable demands, but I assure you everything we can do for these children, to make them more attractive, is worthwhile,” Mr. Wilson said earnestly.
“Is it difficult to find homes for the children?” Bridget’s question drew his attention to her. For a second, she saw real pain and the depth of it shocked her. But then it was gone. “We have siblings staying in the sanctuary, Lizzie and Jacob Kelley. They must be kept together.”
“The economic depression is making everyone feel rather nervous. Some people who may have been willing to take a child might not believe they can afford to. It is even less likely siblings will be adopted together. And there are others who may take advantage of the situation.”
“What do you mean?”
“Mr. Watson, don’t be putting Bridget off now before she goes on the trip. Everything will work out just fine i
n the end.” Father Nelson’s tone brooked no argument. Bridget saw Mr. Watson open his mouth but then shut it again.
“How does the actual process work, Father?” Bridget asked.
“There are two parts to your group,” Father Nelson said. “The first are the little ones from the Foundling Hospital. These children have been specifically asked for.”
“So why do they have to travel with us by train if their adoptive parents want them? Why didn’t they collect them at the time of adoption?” Bridget asked.
“They haven’t yet met them,” Mr. Watson explained. “When Father Nelson means is we get various requests for babies. One man wrote and asked for a red-headed boy, he has, I think, seven girls and despairs of ever having a son. He wants a boy to carry on his name.”
“He can’t just order a child like you would something from a store catalogue.” Bridget couldn’t hide her disgust. Her comment earned a smile from Mr. Watson but a reprimand from Father Nelson.
“Why not? He is willing to provide a loving home for a baby who could otherwise die,” Father Nelson replied, but in a softer tone added, “Bridget, I know it is hard to accept but sometimes, things work for the right reason even though the method leaves a lot to be desired. If people write to us asking for a blond-haired girl, or one with black hair and blue eyes, we do our best to answer their request.”
“But what if their ideal baby doesn’t grow up to become the child they imagined they would be?” Bridget asked.
Bridget saw Lily glance at Father Nelson, but he seemed unwilling to answer. Mr. Watson stared at the floor.
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